Shelbourne lost 1-2 to Drogheda United at Tolka Park on Wednesday, dropping to seventh in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Daniel Kelly gave Shelbourne an early lead in the 22nd minute after a through ball from Seán Moore, but Warren Davis equalised for Drogheda in the 40th minute with a stunner described as nearly identical to his goal at the same venue last March. Leo Burney added a second for Drogheda in the 57th minute, assisted by Brandon Kavanagh, to secure their second successive win and leave Shelbourne two points above ninth place. Shelbourne are now five points off fourth place with six games remaining and a game in hand over the team in ninth, having last qualified for European competition in 2023. John Russell said a season that began with high hopes is now flirting with the unthinkable, while Warren Davis noted his goal was almost identical to the one he scored at Tolka in March of last year. Shelbourne, the 2024 champions, have scored 37 goals and conceded 40 this season, leaving them with a -3 goal difference and 20 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. Their recent form reads LDDLL, including losses to Derry City and Drogheda in their last two outings. The next fixture is an away trip to Dundalk on 2026-09-18, who currently sit fourth in the table.
Background and full detail: Irish Independent
